Key to an American city for the Moroccan national team.

In the context of supporting the participation of the Moroccan national football team in the 2026 World Cup, and considering its stay in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, at The Pingry School, a meeting was organized to embody the depth of the bilateral relations and the sports and cultural ties that connect Morocco with the United States.

At the invitation of the Mayor of Bernards Township, Ana Duarte McCarthy, and members of the municipal council, Mohamed Ait Behi, the Consul General of the Kingdom of Morocco in New York, participated in the regular meeting of the city council. According to the Consul General, the meeting resulted in a decision to honor the Moroccan national team (Atlas Lions) and grant it the "key to the city"; a symbolic gesture reflecting the appreciation of local authorities and residents for the Moroccan team, celebrating its participation in the World Cup, and recognizing its choice to stay and train in Basking Ridge, as well as Morocco's good reputation and prestigious status in the international sports arena.

During this occasion, the Moroccan Consul General presented the official jersey of the Moroccan national team to the Mayor of the city, as a token of thanks and gratitude for this distinguished initiative, and in appreciation of the significant efforts and endeavors made by local authorities to provide the best conditions for the stay and preparations of the national elite.

In a speech on this occasion, the Consul General of the Kingdom of Morocco expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to the Mayor and members of the city council, and all local officials, for this honor, which reflects the depth of friendship and appreciation towards the Kingdom of Morocco and its national team.

The speaker added that the "Atlas Lions" embody the pride of the Moroccan nation, its discipline, and its values, pointing out that the presence of the team and its training at The Pingry School reflect the ability of sports to promote the values of understanding, tolerance, and dialogue that the Kingdom of Morocco has believed in throughout history. He praised the distinguished Moroccan-American relations and their continuous development in various political, economic, cultural, and humanitarian fields, affirming that this initiative serves as a model for rapprochement and understanding between the two friendly peoples.